New projects and joining the group
Post-doc positions
If you are interested in working with me then I am always looking to support candidates in applying for personal post-doctoral fellowships (for instance see Newton International FellowshipsLink opens in a new window, UKRI postdoctoral FellowshipsLink opens in a new window, Royal Commission of 1851 FellowshipsLink opens in a new window, and Marie-Curie FellowshipsLink opens in a new window). If you are interested then please contact me with a CV plus small statement of your interests and we can discuss what would make a good proposal to develop and submit.
PhD projects starting in 2026
I am recruiting for the below projects. See our Department information page hereLink opens in a new window on how to apply, and see the adverts on the Department project list hereLink opens in a new window. Email me at alex.w.robertson@warwick.ac.uk if you are interested to learn more.
Diagnosing stress corrosion cracking in steel at the nanoscale
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in steel is a complex failure mechanism driven by the combined influence of tensile stress and a corrosive environment. Even when stresses are well below the material’s yield strength, localized tensile forces can initiate microcracks that propagate rapidly under sustained loading. Simultaneously, exposure to aggressive environments—such as chloride-rich water or caustic solutions—accelerates crack growth by attacking the steel at the crack tip. Together, these conditions create a highly dangerous scenario where sudden, brittle failure can occur without significant prior warning.
Despite decades of study, the precise mechanisms linking tensile stress and corrosive environments to SCC initiation remain poorly understood. Researchers still debate how microstructural features, stress gradients, and localized electrochemical reactions interact to trigger cracking. This uncertainty limits predictive models and hinders the development of universally reliable prevention strategies, making SCC a persistent engineering challenge.
In this project, you will use the nanoscale resolving power of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to diagnose the link between microstructure, stress, the environment, and the electrochemical conditions when it comes to steel failure. You will do this by using an operando liquid-cell, allowing us to study the steel sample as it fails in situ within an electrochemical environment. This promises to grant us new insights beyond that achievable by more conventional ex situ approaches.
As part of this project, you will develop a method for applying strain to the steel while inside this operando cell, by using an interceding layer of piezoelectric material to controllably stress the steel while studying it inside the corrosive liquid environment.
Through this PhD project, you will gain training in advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, including seldom applied operando electrochemical methods. You will be part of a team of researchers who are using operando TEM to understand a range of topical materials science problems.
If you are interested in this project please contact me at alex.w.robertson@warwick.ac.uk.
Constructing an Artificial Interphase for Tin Metal Anodes through Informed Design
Tin metal anodes have recently emerged as promising candidates for next-generation aqueous batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and cost-effectiveness. However, their practical deployment is hindered by interfacial instability, leading to uncontrolled deposition/dissolution, corrosion, and formation of unwanted byproducts. We want to design and construct an ideal interphase that stabilizes Sn metal anodes, enabling improved cycling performance and durability, but for that we first need a comprehensive understanding of the interface between electrode and electrolyte, and how it changes as the rechargeable battery is cycled.
The electrolyte–electrode interface plays a critical role in governing Sn behaviour during electrochemical cycling. A well-engineered interphase can:
- Regulate Sn deposition/dissolution kinetics
- Suppress parasitic reactions and surface passivation
- Mitigate corrosion under aqueous conditions
Despite its importance, the nature of the interphase formed on Sn in aqueous systems remains poorly understood. This project will bridge this knowledge gap by correlating interphase composition and structure with cycling performance and the anode’s durability.
To tackle this challenge, you will employ advanced characterisation techniques available at Warwick, including:
- Operando electrochemical liquid-cell TEM for real-time visualization of Sn deposition/dissolution.
- Cross-sectional TEM to resolve interphase morphology and structure.
- XPS and XAS for surface composition and solvation analysis.
- Mass spectrometry to quantify interphase components and unwanted byproducts.
These will allow you unprecedented access to information at the interface, which will provide you the basis to consider how to appropriately tailor your battery to achieve the best performance.
You will join a team of materials scientists who use advanced characterisation techniques to understand new energy and nanomaterials. This project is ideally suited to a student with a background and interest in physics, chemistry, materials science, and related subjects. If you are interested contact me at alex.w.robertson@warwick.ac.uk.